United we stand
Dec 04, 2020
ARLINGTON, VA -- Yesterday, USA Rice staff virtually joined the U.S. Rice Producers Association (USRPA) at their Board of Directors meeting to discuss 2020 international promotional programs and plans for next year’s marketing activities. The group received updates from USRPA contractors for Mexico, Guatemala, and North Africa, and updates from USRPA staff for planned 2021 activities in the western and eastern hemispheres.
USA Rice was invited to present on marketing programs worldwide, utilizing the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Market Access Program (MAP), Foreign Market Development (FMD), and Agricultural Trade Promotion (ATP) program funds.
USDA staff from the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) joined the call as well and expressed appreciation at the unity of the rice industry.
“Being effective stewards of U.S. taxpayer dollars is something we think about every day here at FAS and ensuring that the activities conducted overseas with the grant funds from FAS are successful is paramount to our mission,“ said Corey Pickelsimer, director of Field Crops and Forest Products of the Cooperator Programs Division at USDA FAS.
USRPA will join the USA Rice International Promotion Planning Conference, scheduled for mid-December via virtual platform, to discuss marketing plans for 2021 and develop draft budgets.